In 2009, CAPC dedicated resources to revitalize the City of Newark’s neighborhoods that had been hit hard by the foreclosure crisis. CAPC acquired abandoned and foreclosed properties which were causing neighborhood homes values to decline and had been attracting crime to the area. CAPC also partnered with the City of Newark and with a non-profit organization to help expedite the completion of their on-going rehabilitation projects.
All 15 homes are now occupied by tenants or new homeowners. The two homes representing this recovery effort, 52 and 54 Blum Street, are neighboring properties which occupy the corner of Blum and Gold Streets. CAPC completely gutted and rehabilitated these multi-family homes, all while maintaining the essence of their original character. For example, the floor plan of one house was redesigned to remove the original stable entrance built in the 1800’s, and the newly added first floor bedroom contains a unique long, narrow section where the horse alley once existed. The Blum Street homes are located on an important corner, adjacent to a community garden and Blue Ribbon school. Interior and exterior improvements made to the homes include new heating systems, new electrical and plumbing, new siding, new roof, new sheet rock and painting of all rooms, new kitchens and bathrooms, refinished hardwood floors, and landscaping.
These two homes illustrate the tremendous impact that CAPC’s efforts have on stabilizing neighborhoods and enhancing the quality of life on city blocks through increased home values and by creating a safer neighborhood.
